Sewing Superstar

Handmade Jane

Sew along with Jane from Handmade Jane


Name:
Jane Marland
Location:
London, UK
Occupation:
Stay at home mum/seamstress/blogger
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When did you first start sewing and how did you learn?

I was taught at school when I was 11 but my sewing teachers were very discouraging and it put me off for years! I properly learnt to sew in 2009 - I took a beginner's dressmaking class when my youngest started school. I loved it from the very first class.

Can you remember the first thing you made?

The first thing I made at school was an apron. The first thing I made as an adult was an A line skirt. New Look 6843 to be exact and I still wear it today!

Do you have any favourite pattern designers or celebrity sewers?

I've sewn a lot of Colette patterns and really like some of the By Hand London designs. I've just made a dress using a Christine Haynes pattern - the Emery dress. This was the first time I've used one of her patterns and I was seriously impressed, the fit was perfect! I also like Tilly and the Buttons patterns.

What's your sewing room like and how do you organize your stash?

I sew in our converted loft room which is great because it has lots of light. It also doubles up as a guest room so I do find myself twitching when we have people to stay and I don't have access to my den! My fabric is stashed under the bed out of sight but I have lots of vintage patterns and quilting cottons displayed on shelves which I love to look at as I sew. I have a dress form, a basic sewing machine and an overlocker, but no cutting table. I have to do my cutting out downstairs in the kitchen.

What music/podcasts/TV shows do you love to stitch along to?

I have the radio on as background noise while I'm working, usually tuned to a 1970's or 1980's station. The exception is when I'm trying to write a blog post - I have to turn the radio off then as I can't concentrate otherwise!

Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?

I used to make my own bags, purses and accessories to sell at craft fairs. I'd generally do a few a year, mostly concentrating on the Christmas period. Making enough handmade items for a well stocked craft stall is a LOT of work so I now just make things to order. I had a lot of fun doing it though and made some great friends. I'm very envious of anybody who can knit or crochet - I've tried to learn how to do both and was absolutely dreadful! I'll bake the odd cake and have tried my hand at deco-patch before now, but nothing really compares to sewing for me. I love reading and am in a book group (although to be honest, it's more of a wine and crisps club).

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

You can read more about my sewing adventures on my blog www.handmadejane.co.uk

Jane Marland
Crafts
  • false Clothes
  • false Bags
  • false Accessories
  • false Toys
  • false Homeware
  • false Blankets / Quilts
  • false
  • false
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What's your favorite...

TV Show
Any Nordic crime drama, particularly The Bridge and Arne Dahl
Band
I'm very old fashioned when it comes to music, just give me Elvis or Roy Orbison and I'm happy!
City
London
Movie
The Philadelphia Story, Hear My Song
Book
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Color
Red
Fabric Brand
I live in London so it has to be Liberty!
Sewing accessory or Tool
Seam gauge